Gymnosporia thompsonii Plant Care

Gymnosporia thompsonii (Gymnosporia thompsonii) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Gymnosporia genus. Gymnosporia thompsonii is native to the Mariana and Caroline Islands.

Gymnosporia thompsonii displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Gymnosporia thompsonii produces small white clusters in spring.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gymnosporia thompsonii every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Gymnosporia thompsonii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Gymnosporia thompsonii tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Gymnosporia thompsonii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Gymnosporia thompsonii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gymnosporia thompsonii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gymnosporia thompsonii is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Gymnosporia thompsonii can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Gymnosporia thompsonii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Gymnosporia thompsonii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Gymnosporia thompsonii can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gymnosporia cassinoides plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Gymnosporia thompsonii is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Gymnosporia thompsonii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Gymnosporia thompsonii is native to the Mariana and Caroline Islands. In cooler regions, grow Gymnosporia thompsonii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.